Jessica Chambers: Jury instructions could make or break outcome of second Tellis trial

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October 01 2018 - Quinton Tellis and defense attorney Darla Palmer hug after the judge declared a mistrial during the seventh day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Monday. The jury could not reach a unanimous decision which resulted in a mistrial. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

October 01 2018 - Quinton Tellis looks up as lead prosecutor John Champion, left, walks across the courtroom during the seventh day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Monday. The jury could not reach a unanimous decision which resulted in a mistrial. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

October 01 2018 - Lead prosecutor John Champion speaks to the media after a another mistrial was declared during the seventh day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Monday. The jury could not reach a unanimous decision which resulted in a mistrial. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

October 01 2018 - Defense attorney Alton Peterson, left, and Quinton Tellis shake hands after the judge declared another mistrial during the seventh day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Monday. The jury could not reach a unanimous decision which resulted in a mistrial. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

October 01 2018 - A group of Quinton Tellis supporters are seen outside of the Panola County Courthouse during the seventh day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Monday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death on Dec. 6, 2014. The jury could not reach a unanimous decision which resulted in a mistrial. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

October 01 2018 - Judge Gerald Chatham declares a mistrial after the jury could not reach a unanimous decision during the seventh day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Monday. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

October 01 2018 - A group of Quinton Tellis supporters pray outside of the Panola County Courthouse during the seventh day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Monday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death on Dec. 6, 2014. The jury could not reach a unanimous decision which resulted in a mistrial. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

October 01 2018 - Defense attorneys Darla Palmer, second from left, and Alton Peterson, third from left, speak with media at the conclusion of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Monday. The jury could not reach a unanimous decision which resulted in a mistrial. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

October 01 2018 - Rebecca Wright, mother of Quinton Tellis, is seen outside of the Panola County Courthouse during the seventh day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Monday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death on Dec. 6, 2014. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

October 01 2018 - A group of Quinton Tellis supporters, left, are seen outside of the Panola County Courthouse during the seventh day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Monday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death on Dec. 6, 2014. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

October 01 2018 - Lead prosecutor John Champion is seen after the judge declared a mistrial during the seventh day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Monday. The jury could not reach a unanimous decision which resulted in a mistrial. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

October 01 2018 - Quinton Tellis is seen during the seventh day of the his retrial on Monday. The jury could not reach a unanimous decision which resulted in a mistrial. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

October 01 2018 - Lead prosecutor John Champion speaks to the media after a another mistrial was declared during the seventh day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Monday. The jury could not reach a unanimous decision which resulted in a mistrial. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

October 01 2018 - Judge Gerald Chatham sends the jury back to continue deliberating during the seventh day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Saturday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

Defendant Quinton Tellis (middle) looks on as the jury goes to deliberate his case, as his defense attorneys Alton Peterson (left) and Darla Palmer (right) confer on the sixth day of his retrial in Batesville, Mississippi on Sunday, September 30, 2018. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Defense attorney Alton Peterson presents closing arguments on the sixth day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Sunday, September 30, 2018. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Deputy Prosecutor Jay Hale presents closing arguments on the sixth day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Sunday, September 30, 2018. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Defense attorney Darla Palmer presents closing arguments on the sixth day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Sunday, September 30, 2018. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Lead prosecutor John Champion presents closing arguments on the sixth day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Sunday, September 30, 2018. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Judge Gerald Chatham (left) listens as lead prosecutor John Champion presents closing arguments on the sixth day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Sunday, September 30, 2018. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Quinton Tellis is seen on the sixth day of his retrial in Batesville, Mississippi on Sunday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Bobbie Flowers-Uzozie (middle) leads a prayer circle before the sixth day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Sunday, September 30, 2018. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Defense attorneys Alton Peterson (left) and Darla Palmer (right) on the sixth day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Sunday, September 30, 2018. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Travis Carr testifies on the sixth day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Sunday, September 30, 2018. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Defense attorneys Alton Peterson (right) and Darla Palmer (left) confer on the sixth day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Sunday, September 30, 2018. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Lead prosecutor John Champion seen on the sixth day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Sunday, September 30, 2018. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Lead prosecutor John Champion seen on the sixth day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Sunday, September 30, 2018. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Defense attorney Darla Palmer (top) on the sixth day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Sunday, September 30, 2018. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Shaneeka Williams testifies on the sixth day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Sunday, September 30, 2018. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

George Mister testifies on the sixth day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Sunday, September 30, 2018. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

LaToya Taylor testifies on the sixth day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Sunday, September 30, 2018. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

September 29 2018 - Jessica Chambers is seen from a. security camera at the M&M convenience store on the day she died during testimony on the fifth day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Saturday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 29 2018 - Federal intelligence analyst Paul Rowlett testifies during the fifth day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Saturday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 29 2018 - Quinton Tellis is seen after the state rested their case during the fifth day of his retrial on Saturday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 29 2018 - Photos of Quinton Tellis on the day Jessica Chambers was burned alive are seen during the fifth day of his retrial on Saturday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 29 2018 - Federal intelligence analyst Paul Rowlett, left, testifies during the fifth day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Saturday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 29 2018 - Information on the week prior to the day Jessica Chambers was killed is seen during the fifth day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Saturday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 29 2018 - Judge Gerald Chatman watches while federal intelligence analyst Paul Rowlett testifies during the fifth day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Saturday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 29 2018 - Lisa Daugherty, mother of Jessica Chambers, during the fifth day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Saturday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 29 2018 - Federal intelligence analyst Paul Rowlett testifies during the fifth day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Saturday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 29 2018 - Quinton Tellis, right, is seen while defense attorneys Darla Palmer (left) and Alton Peterson (second from left) converse during the fifth day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Saturday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 29 2018 - Federal intelligence analyst Paul Rowlett testifies during the fifth day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Saturday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 29 2018 - Quinton Tellis is seen during the fifth day of his retrial on Saturday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 29 2018 - ATF agent Scott Meadows testifies during the fifth day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Saturday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 29 2018 - Michael ÒBig MikeÓ Sanford testifies during the fifth day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Saturday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

Judge Gerald Chatham on the fourth day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Friday, September 28, 2018. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Defense attorneys Darla Palmer (left) and Alton Peterson (right) confer on the fourth day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Friday, September 28, 2018. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Defense attorneys Darla Palmer (right) sits with Quinton Tellis (left) on the fourth day of his retrial in Batesville, Mississippi on Friday, September 28, 2018. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Lisa Daugherty, mother of Jessica Chambers, sits in courtroom on the fourth day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Friday, September 28, 2018. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Defense attorneys Darla Palmer (left) and Alton Peterson (left) converse on the fourth day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Friday, September 28, 2018. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Thelma Taylor testifies on the fourth day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Friday, September 28, 2018. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Lead prosecutor John Champion (right) plays a police interview with the Quinton Tellis on the fourth day of his retrial in Batesville, Mississippi on Friday, September 28, 2018. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Forensic DNA Analyst Kathryn Rodgers testifies on the fourth day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Friday, September 28, 2018. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Lead prosecutor John Champion (middle) shows the jury a set of keys as Forensic DNA Analyst Kathryn Rodgers (left) sits on the witness stand on the fourth day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Friday, September 28, 2018. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Defense attorneys Darla Palmer (right) and Alton Peterson (left) converse with defendant Quinton Tellis (middle) on the fourth day of his retrial in Batesville, Mississippi on Friday, September 28, 2018. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Lisa Daugherty, mother of Jessica Chambers, sits in courtroom on the fourth day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Friday, September 28, 2018. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

September 27 2018 - Lights from emergency vehicles are seen after a reenactment of the night when Jessica Chambers was found during the third day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Thursday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 27 2018 - Major Barry Thompson, Panola County SheriffÕs Department, testifies on the third day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis during a field trip at the scene where Jessica Chambers was burned alive in her car. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 27 2018 - Dr. William Hickerson from the burn unit at Regional One testifies during the third day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Thursday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 27 2018 - Emergency vehicles are seen after a reenactment during the third day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Thursday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost four years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 27 2018 - Ben Chambers, father of Jessica Chambers, during the third day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Thursday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 27 2018 - FBI agent Dustin Blunt, left, testifies during the third day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Thursday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 27 2018 - Major Barry Thompson, Panola County SheriffÕs Department, testifies during the third day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Thursday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 27 2018 - Angela Overton testifies during the third day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Thursday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 27 2018 - FBI agent Dustin Blunt testifies during the third day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Thursday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 27 2018 - Dr. William Hickerson from the burn unit at Regional One testifies during the third day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Thursday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 27 2018 - Defense attorneys Alton Peterson, left, and Darla Palmer, right, confer during the third day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Thursday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 27 2018 - The spot where Jessica Chambers was burned alive in her car is seen during the third day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Thursday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost four years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

Quinton Tellis is seen while on a field trip to different scenes around Panola County during the third day of his retrial Sept. 27, 2018. Tellis is charged in the burning death of 19-year-old Jessica Chambers. Tellis has pleaded not guilty. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal

September 27 2018 - Lead prosecutor John Champion, right, speaks to deputy prosecutor Jay Hale during the third day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Thursday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 27 2018 - Deputy Prosecutor Jay Hale, third from left, asks a question to Major Barry Thompson, Panola County SheriffÕs Department, second from left, during the third day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Thursday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 27 2018 - Major Barry Thompson, Panola County SheriffÕs Department, on the third day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 27 2018 - Ben Chambers, father of Jessica Chambers, left, is seen in front of a convenience store during a field trip on day 3 during the third day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Thursday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

Defense attorney Alton Peterson, center, asks a question of Maj. Barry Thompson of the Panola County Sheriff's Department,during the third day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Sept. 27, 2018. Tellis is charged in the burning death of 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal

September 27 2018 - Defense attorney Alton Peterson, center, speaks during the third day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Thursday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 27 2018 - Quinton Tellis is seen while on a field trip to different scenes around Panola County during the third day of the retrial on Thursday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 27 2018 - People gather before testimony is given during a field trip on the third day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 27 2018 - Major Barry Thompson, Panola County SheriffÕs Department, points while giving testimony on the third day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 27 2018 - Defense attorney Alton Peterson, center, left, is seen during the third day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis on Thursday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 27 2018 - Major Barry Thompson, Panola County SheriffÕs Department, testifies on the third day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis during a field trip at the scene where Jessica Chambers was burned alive in her car. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 27 2018 - Major Barry Thompson, Panola County SheriffÕs Department, left, testifies on the third day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 27 2018 - People gather before testimony at the scene where Jessica Chambers was burned alive in her car during a field trip on the third day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 27 2018 - A caravan of jurors, attorneys, media and other people interested in the retrial of Quinton Tellis are seen during a field trip to visit locations in Courtland, Mississippi that prosecutors consider key to the case. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 27 2018 - Quinton Tellis is seen during a court field trip on the third day of his retrial on Thursday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

Ben Chambers, father of Jessica Chambers covers his ears during testimony to the condition of his daughter's burned body on the second day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Wednesday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Quinton Tellis, right, is seen on the second day of his retrial in Batesville, Mississippi on Wednesday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Dr. Erin Barnhart testifies on the second day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Wednesday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Julia Chambers points out her relative Quinton Tellis while testifying on the second day of the retrial of Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Wednesday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Defense attorney Alton Peterson on the second day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Wednesday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Keri Henson testifies on the second day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Wednesday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Sherry Flowers testifies on the second day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Wednesday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Panola County Sheriff Investigator Tyler Mills testifies on the second day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Wednesday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Defense attorney Alton Peterson (right) talks with Deputy Prosecutor Jay Hale on the second day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Wednesday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Matthew Simon testifies on the second day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Wednesday Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Defense attorneys Darla Palmer (right) and Alton Peterson (left) chats with Deputy Prosecutor Jay Hale (middle) on the second day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Wednesday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Judge Gerald Chatham (right) listens as lead prosecutor John Champion (middle) examines witness Lt. Edward Dickson (left) on the second day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Wednesday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Ben Chambers, father of Jessica Chambers breaks down during testimony on the second day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Tuesday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Panola County Sheriff Deputy Chuck Tucker testifies on the second day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Wednesday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Lead prosecutor John Champion on the second day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Tuesday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

David Gammill testifies on the second day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Tuesday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

Lead prosecutor John Champion on the second day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Tuesday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal

September 25 2018 - Deputy Prosecutor Jay Hale holds up a picture of Jessica Chambers on the first day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Tuesday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 25 2018 - Lead prosecutor John Champion on the first day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Tuesday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 25 2018 - Dr. Carolyn Wiles Higdon, left, testifies during the first day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Tuesday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 25 2018 - Jody Morris testifies during the first day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Tuesday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 25 2018 - Daniel Cole testifies during the first day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Tuesday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 25 2018 - Defense attorney Darla Palmeron gives an opening statement on the first day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Tuesday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 25 2018 - Brady Davis testifies during the first day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Tuesday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 25 2018 - Shane Mills testifies during the first day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Tuesday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 25 2018 - Will Turner testifies during the first day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Tuesday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 25 2018 - Sandra Hailey testifies during the first day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Tuesday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 25 2018 - Thomas Hailey testifies during the first day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Tuesday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 25 2018 - Quinton Tellis, right, is seen on the first day of his retrial in Batesville, Mississippi on Tuesday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 25 2018 - Kesha Myer, identified as the best friend of Jessica Chambers, testifies on the first day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Tuesday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

September 25 2018 - Lisa Chambers, left, Jessica Chambers' mother, is seen on the stand during the first day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Tuesday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal

September 25 2018 - Dr. Carolyn Wiles Higdon testifies during the first day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Tuesday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal,

Quinton Tellis, right, is seen on the second day of his retrial in Batesville, Mississippi on Wednesday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder.(Photo11: Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal)Buy Photo

BATESVILLE, Miss. — The first trial of Quinton Tellis for the murder of Jessica Chambers ended in confusion and frustration because jurors misunderstood instructions, and a University of Mississippi law professor says there's no magic answer for avoiding such an outcome.

Jurors Wednesday heard the second day of testimony in the Tellis retrial for the 2014 burning death of Chambers, a 19-year-old from Panola County's Courtland community. As proceedings move toward a decision from jurors in the coming days, memories of how the first trial ended will become ever more relevant.

Phillip Broadhead, a clinical professor of law at Ole Miss, said Wednesday he had never seen a trial conclusion quite like the one in Tellis' first trial last October.

"I've seen juries be confused and send notes out," Broadhead said, "but I've never seen a jury come back and deliver a verdict that was completely erroneous. I tried my first case in 1982; through all those years, I've never seen a jury come back and give the wrong verdict."

Jurors, drawn from Pike County in southern Mississippi, initially told Circuit Judge Gerald Chatham last October that they had a verdict after nearly eight hours of deliberation. However, one juror told Chatham he did not agree with the verdict after the judge asked if everyone agreed.

Chatham then sent jurors back for more deliberations after reading instructions that they must reach a unanimous verdict. A short time later, jurors returned again saying they had a verdict, but were clearly split when polled. They thought the verdict only had to be unanimous if guilty; otherwise, they thought the defendant was not guilty.

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Judge Gerald Chatham (right) listens as lead prosecutor John Champion (middle) examines witness Lt. Edward Dickson (left) on the second day of the retrial of Quinton Tellis in Batesville, Mississippi on Wednesday. Tellis is charged with burning 19-year-old Jessica Chambers to death almost three years ago on Dec. 6, 2014. Tellis has pleaded not guilty to the murder.(Photo11: Mark Weber, The Commercial Appeal)

After more deliberations, jurors said they were deadlocked, and Chatham declared a mistrial.

Jurors this time were drawn from Oktibbeha County, and Broadhead said the onus will be on the attorneys and judge to make sure instructions are clear enough that no such confusion arises this time.

"There's been a real effort to simplify jury instructions through plain language, instead of old forms of action, which have literally been handed down from hundreds of years of practice through common law and then here in America," he said.

If there is misunderstanding, Broadhead said, it can't be blamed on jurors.

"The ultimate responsibility doesn't lie with the jury," he said, "but with the attorneys and the judge. At some point during summation and closing arguments, the parties are allowed to tell the jury what the instructions actually mean. So for the first jury (in this case) to come back and say 'not guilty' because they didn't understand it had to be unanimous one way or the other, that fell squarely on the attorneys and the judge, I think."

She said that while jurors tend to discuss instructions a lot, they are inaccurate in comprehending them 17 percent of the time.

While there are model jury instructions, Broadhead said it's ultimately up to the parties involved in a case to craft instructions that fit that case.

"We make a lot of assumptions in life that people understand things like we understand it," Broadhead said. "You can't do that with juries. If the verdict had to be unanimous either way, just make sure you tell them that."

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Timeline of the events related to the death of Jessica Chambers and the trial of Quinton Tellis
Memphis Commercial Appeal